Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the bottom of the feet, often on the heels or the balls of the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making public places like swimming pools or locker rooms common areas for infection. One of the most noticeable signs of plantar warts is the development of hard, thickened areas of skin, often with tiny black dots in the center, which are clogged blood vessels. The warts can cause discomfort, especially when pressure is applied, making walking or standing painful. In some cases, they may grow in clusters, which are called mosaic warts. If you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include removal for permanent relief.
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A plantar fibroma is a benign growth of fibrous tissue that develops in the arch of the foot. This condition often appears as a small, firm lump beneath the skin, typically in the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot. Symptoms include discomfort or pain when walking or standing for extended periods, especially when the fibroma presses against the inside of the shoe. The exact cause of plantar fibromas is not fully understood, but they are believed to be linked to genetic factors, trauma, or repetitive stress. Lifestyle factors such as wearing poorly fitted shoes, being overweight, or engaging in high-impact activities can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Individuals with a family history of plantar fibroma or certain connective tissue disorders may be at higher risk. If you have the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.
A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM of Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Plantar Fibroma
A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.
What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?
While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.
What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?
There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.
Treatment and Prevention
A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:
Steroid injections
Orthotics
Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump
Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that typically affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. This condition is caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. The infection is often contracted in places like public showers, swimming pools, or gyms, where the fungus can spread easily. Athlete's foot is generally noticeable as red, scaly patches of skin that may crack, peel, or itch. In some cases, blisters may form, causing further discomfort. The infection can also lead to a burning or stinging sensation, particularly when the feet come into contact with certain fabrics or shoes. Athlete's foot is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with infected skin or surfaces that have come into contact with the fungus. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this ailment, which often includes prescribed medication.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Thoroughly washing and drying feet
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
Using shower shoes in public showers
Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Redness
Burning
Itching
Scaly and peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
